Lead Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist

Placements24; Centurion; Presencial; ZAR 1.000.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Career development

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist to join its R&D team in Centurion, Gauteng. The role focuses on leading development and optimization of drug formulations across solid, injectable, and topical dosage forms, guiding a team of scientists from concept to clinical trial readiness.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field, with 7+ years hands-on experience, GMP exposure, and strong leadership.

Formación

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years hands-on pharmaceutical formulation development with leadership experience.
• Expertise in oral solid, parenteral, and transdermal dosage forms.
• Strong knowledge of physical chemistry, polymer science, and material science for drug delivery.
• Experience with GMP environments and regulatory submissions (IND, NDA).

Responsabilidades

• Lead formulation development and characterization of solid dosage forms, injectables, and topical products.
• Design experiments to select excipients, optimize formulations, and define process parameters.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for materials and products.
• Oversee scale-up from lab to pilot plant and manufacturing.
• Mentor junior scientists and collaborate with project management, regulatory, and manufacturing teams.
• Prepare technical reports and regulatory submission documents.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in pharmaceutical formulation.
• Ensure GMP compliance and adherence to SOPs.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Educación

PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field

Herramientas

DSC

TGA

XRPD

Dissolution testing

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished pharmaceutical company renowned for its commitment to developing novel drug delivery systems, is actively seeking a highly skilled and innovative Lead Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist to join their R&D department in Centurion, Gauteng . This critical role involves leading the development and optimization of pharmaceutical formulations for a diverse range of therapeutic areas. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of drug product development, excipient science, and manufacturing processes, coupled with strong leadership capabilities. You will be responsible for guiding a team of scientists in bringing promising drug candidates from concept to clinical trial readiness. This position is based on-site in Centurion, Gauteng , offering access to state-of-the‑art laboratory facilities and collaborative opportunities with leading experts in the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development and characterization of new pharmaceutical products, including solid dosage forms, injectables, and topical preparations.
• Design and execute experimental studies to select appropriate excipients, optimize formulations, and define critical process parameters.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Oversee the scale-up of formulations from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing issues, providing effective solutions to ensure product quality and process robustness.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists and formulation scientists, fostering their professional growth and technical expertise.
• Collaborate closely with project management, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure timely project progression.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, development summaries, and regulatory submission documents.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, scientific literature, and industry trends in pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant GMP guidelines and company standard operating procedures.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a proven track record in leading projects.
• Expertise in various dosage forms, including oral solid dosage, parenteral, and transdermal systems.
• Strong knowledge of physical chemistry, polymer science, and material science relevant to drug delivery.
• Proficiency in using formulation development and characterization equipment (e.g., DSC, TGA, XRPD, dissolution testers).
• Experience with GMP manufacturing environments and regulatory submission requirements (e.g., IND, NDA).
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment in Centurion, Gauteng .
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to scientific rigor and data integrity.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an attractive bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement fund.
• We provide excellent opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a leading pharmaceutical organization.
• Employees benefit from a supportive work environment, access to cutting‑edge technology, and the chance to make a significant impact on healthcare.
• This role is based in the strategically located city of Centurion, Gauteng , offering a blend of professional opportunity and a high standard of living.